The Nigerian Senate has taken steps to criminalise the use of harmful substances such as calcium carbide by fruit vendors to artificially ripen fruits, describing the practice as a serious public health risk.
During plenary on Wednesday, lawmakers expressed deep concern over the widespread use of toxic chemicals in fruit ripening, noting that it poses significant health dangers to consumers, including risks of cancer, kidney failure, and other life-threatening conditions.
The move followed a motion raised by Senator Anthony Okorie Ani (Ebonyi South), who called for urgent intervention from regulatory bodies to tackle the growing menace.
In response, the Senate resolved to:
- Amend existing laws to outlaw the use of hazardous chemicals, especially calcium carbide, for artificial fruit ripening;
- Mandate the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to investigate the increasing prevalence of the practice;
- Recommend stiffer penalties for offenders to serve as a deterrent and safeguard public health.
Senator Ani, while presenting the motion, warned that the continued use of these toxic substances could have long-term consequences for national health if left unchecked.
The Senate directed its Committees on Health and Agriculture to conduct further legislative work on the matter and recommend appropriate legal reforms.
